Advertised in the program as the first opera written in the New World,
La Púrpura de la Rosa (PR) was premiered in 1701 in Lima
(Peru), but more than the historical feat, true or not, accounts for the
piece’s interest.

“German poet, dramatist and novelist. One of the most important literary and cultural figures of his age, he was recognized during his lifetime for his accomplishments of almost universal breadth. However, it is his literary works that have most consistently sustained his reputation, and that also serve to demonstrate most clearly his many-faceted relationship to music. . . .

Introduction: "No, no, no, no: non v'è": Baron Don Magnifico lives here
with his daughters Clorinda and Tisbe and his stepdaughter Angelina, known as
Cenerentola (Cinderella). The stepfather has cheated her out of her entire
fortune, and keeps her in the house as a scullery maid.

Alidoro, the tutor and confidant of the local Prince, Don Ramiro, is
looking for a suitable bride of equal rank and station for his protégé.
Disguised as a beggar, he discovers how generous Cenerentola is, and how
heartless her two sisters are. Some noblemen arrive to tell them that the
prince is entertaining thoughts of marriage, and they invite all the young
ladies in the land to his castle.

Recitative and cavatina: "Miei rampolli feminini" The two sisters are
madly excited over the invitation to the castle, as is their father. Don
Magnifico is enchanted with the thought of seeing a secret dream come true
and having one of his daughters marry the prince.

Scene and duet: "Un soave non so che in quegl' occhi scintillò" Don
Ramiro, disguised as a servant falls in love with Cenerentola.

Chorus and cavatina: "Come un' ape ne' giorni d'aprile" The servant
Dandini, disguised as the prince, appears, escorted by the noblemen, and
while Don Magnifico looks on, he courts the Baron's two daughters.

Recitative and quintet: "Signor, una parola": Cenerentola begs Don
Magnifico to allow her to go to the prince's ball, but he refuses. Don
Magnifico tells Alidoro, who would like to meet all three daughters, that
Cenerentola is just a lowly scullion, and his third daughter has died.

Recitative and aria: "Vasto teatro è il mondo": Alidoro comforts
Cenerentola and promises to escort her to the ball.

Recitative and aria: "Sia qualunque delle figlie": Don Magnifico and his
two daughters discuss their prospects: they are firmly convinced they will
win the game.

Recitative and aria: "Si, ritrovarla io giuro": Cenerentola gives Don
Ramiro a bracelet, and before disappearing she tells him look for her.
Another bracelet, which she always wears, will enable him to recognize
her.

Recitative and duet: "Un segreto d'importanza": Don Magnifico tries to get
Dandini to tell him whether he has chosen Clorinda or Tisbe. Dandini, in
response, reveals his true identity.

Don Magnifico's palace.

Song: "Una volta c'era un re": Cenerentola has returned to her usual
place.

Recitative and thunderstorm: Don Magnifico and his two daughters return
home in a fury.

Recitative and sextet: "Siete voi": Don Ramiro appears, this time clad in
his princely raiment and escorted by Dandini. He recognizes the bracelet on
Cenerentola's wrist. He wishes to make her his wife. Don Magnifico and his
two daughters are beside themselves with anger.

Chorus, scene and rondo finale: "Nacqui all'affano, al pianto": The
courtiers pay homage to their new princess, Cenerentola. Clorinda and Tisbe
beg her forgiveness, which she generously grants. With everyone deeply moved,
the curtain falls.